Communities Confront U.S. Governors Over Fossil Fuel Expansion and False Climate Solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2025

Belém, Brazil — As Trump doubles down on fossil fuel fanaticism, state and local leaders in the U.S. have a responsibility to lead a just transition and not just rebrand the same polluting system. At COP30, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and California Governor Gavin Newsom took the stage at the “America Is All In” Pavilion to highlight state-level climate leadership. But their records tell another story: both have expanded fossil fuel extraction and embraced dangerous false solutions like carbon capture and hydrogen. Frontline activists confronted them directly in Belém, calling out hypocrisy and demanding real climate action.

Statements

Julia Bernal, Executive Director of Pueblo Action Alliance, said:
“Unfortunately, the Governor didn’t answer my question about our lawsuit, but I think it’s important—especially here at COP30 and without the United States’ participation—that people know local governments have a responsibility in the climate crisis and shouldn’t deem themselves climate champions if they aren’t upholding their constitutional duties to control pollution while working with the private sector to invest in false solutions.“

Feleecia Guillen, NM No False Solutions Organizer, said:
“When I spoke with Governor Lujan Grisham, I shared our coalition’s deep concerns about hydrogen energy and other false solutions being pushed in New Mexico. Despite outlining the risks to our water, our communities, and our climate, she said she disagreed with my analysis. That response reflects the ongoing disconnect between those in power and those of us on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Her office promised to meet with us at another time. Let’s see if they follow through with that promise.”

Orion Camero from Stockton, California, said:
“As the federal government rolls back essential rights, California must lead the progressive movement with bold, visionary solutions. That means restoring ecosystems and waterways, transitioning to community-owned renewable energy, and rejecting harmful fossil fuel and water diversion projects.  Newsom’s choices for a just future free of extraction will help more than simply our state — it will give momentum to the nation and a signal to the world of our commitment to climate justice.”

Allie Rosenbluth, US Campaign Manager, Oil Change International, said:
“Gavin Newsom is right, the root of the climate crisis is fossil fuel production. That’s why we need him to stop the expansion of oil drilling in California, which was recently boosted by a bill he signed into law this fall. Americans want clean affordable energy, and it’s not only the rule of “D-O-N” getting in the way of that – It’s fossil fuel corporations that rake in billions while working people pay higher energy bills and suffer in fires and hurricanes at home.”